Category Archives: Anniversary cards

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Hi there! Welcome back to another crafty whim! This time I’m experimenting with a ‘digi’ and watercoloring with salt. Because a printed ‘digi’ (digital image) from my printer often smears, I decided to do the background FIRST and then print on top of it. I really wanted to play with this nifty technique I’d seen on Betsy Veldman’s blog (HERE). She had a cool variation of the salt technique — where you sprinkle salt on your watercolor and let it dry for some interesting patterns. She COLORED her salt and sprinkled it around for some really cool effects! I especially liked her aqua border with flowers, so decided to try something similar. I guestimated where the orchid and lily would fall and tried to get the yellows and pinks more in those areas. Since I wasn’t going to do much until I was sure I could get similar results, I colored up 1/4-1/2 tsp of coarse salt.

The handiest colors I had on hand were distress inks and spray stains. It only took 2 drops of the ink, but about 6 of the spray stain to color up the salt. I didn’t have a purple, so mixed Mermaid Lagoon with Abandoned Coral until I got the color I wanted. By the time I sprinkled my salt down, the paper was dryer than I’d’ve liked, so I gently spritzed a bit of water across the top. Let dry and brushed off the salt:

You know I rarely use digis, but I decided to give this lovely one a whirl. First, I had to size the digi. Another reminder of why I prefer stamps. Sure you can resize digis easier, but getting them exactly right is a bit of trial and error (for ME, at least!)

Not bad, but I thought it could use a little more. When Betsy was done with the salt, she went back and added some more watercolor. I was afraid to re-wet the surface as these were distress inks and would react with the water, so I chose to use some Copic markers to make the leaves and a few details stand out, then added a bit of sparkle…

In the end, it turned out nifty, but not near as cool as Betsy’s projects. Some day I will have to come back and revisit this, experimenting with different watercolors and inks.

Surprise! Didn’t think I’d make it back again this year, but here I am! It’s anniversary party time (their 54th!) and I have a cool fairy tale tunnel card to share with you with some fun references from The Princess Bride!

The extra grass on the prince and princess’s levels was done by partially die cutting with a grass die. After it was put together I wanted to add the As You Wish sentiment, so I embossed it on acetate. Princess Bride fans know “As You Wish” means, “I love you!” Not a Princess Bride fan? INCONCEIVABLE!! (That means the rest of us are laughing at you right now! Lol!) I added the Happily Ever After after it was together, too.

This was my first time playing with these dies and I wasn’t sure how to color them. I started out with Aqua Blend pencils, but I wasn’t satisfied with the results (guess I need more practice!), so I went right over them with alcohol markers, which added to the shading and I was happier. Then I added a bunch of ‘gilding’ with some metallic markers and a Sparkle pen.

This was my first time using a concertina fold (the sides) to put together a tunnel card. Not as easy as it looks and hard to keep it from warping = I need more practice!!

Well, the picture of the back looked fine on my phone, but now it looks blurry. sorry. It’s already in the possession of the happy couple, so here are some of their favorite Princess Bride quotes that I used: “Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togever today.” “This is true love – You think this happens every day?” “INCONCEIVABLE!” “Have fun storming the castle!”

Those of you who follow me, may recall THIS card with a similar concealed surprise. I just love that the Spellbinders Die-of-the-Month acorn can be turned into a gift card holder for these fun acorn-shaped gift cards from that coffee shop that ends in BUCK$!

And the Queen & Company Happy Harvest Fall Kit has those fab acorn shakers to match. This time the shaker is filled with fabulous mini ‘gems.’ Observation: The gorgeous glitter paper in that kit is made so well that the glitter won’t rub off, but that also means it’s not really the best for intricate dies, like the Hello Fall insert of this acorn die. It simply doesn’t want to cut clear through. I recommend using it for non-intricate cutting. The leaf also gets added dimension when you score the veins. The acorns get some realistic color with a dauber and some Distress inks.

What else is behind that acorn?….

This darling family! I love that the two squirrels/chipmunks in the acorn are hugging, with coffee in hand… something that has led to many a spill in this family! And the mugs have kitty paw prints on them and a stuffed kitty is lying on the floor… another signature of our family. The sentiment: ‘You are my favorite nuts’ – ever so apropos! By cutting them out of separate cardstock, I was able to color them with Copics and not have them bleed through to the back of the card. It also allowed me to fussy cut around the arms and put them through the cup handles.

By the way… didja notice that acorns, just like humans, come in all varieties?! : )

Today I have another fab giveaway for you, so be sure to read to the end. I thought this lovely pair of cats would make a sweet anniversary card for my feline-loving friends. Entwined tails are definitely a hallmark of ktty antics, perfect for the current Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

The heart was originally gold, too (somehow I lost the pic), but it seemed overwhelming, so I broke it up by using a Copic marker to change it to red. I like that it kept its shine.

For the inside and the envelope, I just embossed the dies. In the picture you can see the embossing on the card a little better because I highlighted it a bit with some chalks. In real life, the tactile feel of the embossing adds elegance to the card.

Now for the special surprise you’ve been waiting for! The generous folks at Spellbinders have kindly allowed me to offer one of you a $25 gift card (store credit) to their online store! (Credit will not cover shipping costs, duties or taxes.) Thank you, Spellbinders!

What do you have to do to be eligible to win this prize? Let’s start by showing the kind folks at Spellbinders some gratitude… First, go to their Facebook page HERE, like it and leave them a message thanking them for sponsoring the generous giveaway for the Cat Lovers Hop on DAnnsCraftingWhims blog! Then come back here and leave me a comment that you did so. Easy peasy.

Bonus entry option: On Sunday, October 28, 2018 go back through all of my posts for the Cat Lovers Hop and find out how many different Spellbinders dies (just their dies, not poster board or stamps) I used on all of my projects for the 2018 Cat Lovers Hop (Starting with the first post HERE). Send me an e-mail with your answer (d.annscraftingwhims [at] gmail.com).

For a second bonus entry (up to three entries per person total), follow me on Instagram (@d.ann.c), like and comment on the post featuring this card. (It doesn’t have to be a long comment, just a heart will do.) Come back here and leave a comment letting me know that you did it and your Instagram name.

This giveaway is open worldwide. You will have until Midnight, Eastern Standard Time, October 28, 2018 to get your comments in. Sometime after noon Eastern Standard Time on Monday, October 29, I will publish a post listing all winners from giveaways on my blog from this hop (chosen using Random.org). Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prizes so, if you’re not subscribed, be sure to check back later that afternoon for that post!!

Ok, that’s it for this post – best wishes to all… Now, on with the hop!

~D.Ann

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Today I’m tickled pink to show you a fabulously designed tunnel card that folds up, but first I want to tell you a story… Just about a year ago I got this Flight Of The Butterflies Vintage card kit: Butterfly Echo by Hunkydory Crafts:

It’s a gorgeous foiled tunnel card with each progressive layer showing more of the image. You know I love 3d and interactive cards…

The coolest part of it is that it folds flat for easy mailing!

The shape of it reminded me of some of my Spellbinders dies, so I’ve had it sitting on my desk to remind me to try to see if I could make something similar. However, the past year’s health issues haven’t allowed much creativity.

Fast forward a year to the recent release by the ever-so-creative Becca Feeken of her Spellbinders Elegant 3D Vignettes … she has more than surpassed my idea with her beautiful designs. Here is the Grand Cabinet put together:

Isn’t it just gorgeous?!! I love the look of a lovely garden arch with flowers! And, yes, it folds down flat, too, for easy mailing (if you don’t add 3d flower, that is. : )

Those flowers from the Happily Ever After set are SO sweet!

They have kind of heart shaped petals and can be layered in a variety of combinations. I didn’t take the time to shape each petal, just pushed down in the center.

Becca has an easy-to-follow instruction video on putting the tunnel card together and since I can’t improve on it, I’ll like to it HERE in case you’re interested. I can’t find where, but I think she recommended using 80# cardstock. FYI – I used #110 because that’s all I had with ombre pink colors. The slots were a but snug, but they worked.

On the back… I know those tabs on the sides were supposed to be tucked inside, but I was worried they might show and I wanted the back to be white. Note to self: they would NOT have shown through… Next time trust the designer… Becca thought of everything when she designed this!!

I wanted a card to write on rather than just writing on the back of the ‘cabinet’ so I cut another Filigree Veil and used it as a holder for the inserts that I’d cut out of the first three layers of the front of the card. They fit perfectly inside the veil and can be pulled out so you can write on both sides should you so desire. It also perfectly hides a gift card!

Supplies used:

Spellbinders Elegant 3D Vignettes dies: Grand Cabinet 3d Card, Layered Happily Ever After and Filigree Veil (all the way in the back as a background)

Recollections #110 cardstock Ballerina, pale pink and white

Elmer’s School Glue

Martha Stewart Crafts Metallic Glass Microbeads: tourmaline

Pebbles, Inc. Chalks

I’m playing along with the following challenges… click on any one of them for more information on how you can join the fun:

Today I’m making another card for Papertrey Ink’s 11th Anniversary – this time for their Use Only Dies – No Stamps! Challenge. Since I just received a gift of the new Ken Oliver Color Burst ink pads (THANK YOU, Sweetie!), I couldn’t wait to try some more color blending with the Clarity Stencil brushes for some great spring backgrounds:

The colors are just gorgeous! It took me less than 40 minutes to do all 4 backgrounds, so about 10 minutes each. Some day I’ll do them with a blending tool and see how long it takes to compare. I’m slow and had to take some breaks for arthritis & FM pain, so it will probably take you less time. You can see the stencil brushes lost a few bristles. I’m hoping it was just because it was the first time they were being used and not because I got them on clearance!

I wasn’t worried about getting perfect blends as I plan to use cover plates for some and spritz the others, so imperfections won’t be noticed. Yes, these dye-pigment combination inks react to water….

The top two were spritzed with a fine mist and dome larger drops .. I love the look!

Now I wish I’d’ve grabbed the spritzer with Perfect Pearls in it for a shiny finish! Next time!!

So I chose one of the un-spritzed backgrounds and used it for this sweet anniversary or friendship card. Part of my haul from the current amazing Hobby Lobby clearance sale were these lovely pearls by Prima. I love using them for flight trails, as it’s pretty easy just to cut the parts you need to make it go any way you want! Unfortunately, they were too light a pink — easily fixed by using a Copic marker. Note… unlike coloring a single faux pearl, these have a line of adhesive between each one to keep the shape, and the Copics will color that a little, too, if you happen to have an unsteady hand like mine. It is barely noticeable tho.

The white butterfly print on the vellum didn’t stand out enough for my liking, so I fussy cut another one and colored the back side with a Copic marker. I may have gone a little overboard on the butterfly trails, but I kept seeing places that looked like they needed something more. lol!

Today’s crafting whim is back to papercrafting with this sweet anniversary card:

Aren’t they just the cutest couple?!! I got the idea to make this sweet lady cat all dolled up from a post by Christi over at Art-Without-Anxiety— she put her cat in a Hero Arts Dress a while ago and it was DARLING! (ENABLER ALERT: In addition to great ideas, Christi has AMAZING giveaways on her blog — Art Without Anxiety! Click HERE to go to her blog and follow her. Check the end of this post to see the fabulous box chocked full of crafty goodies she sent me, including the dress I used on my cat in this card!!… THANK YOU, Christi!!)

I popped up the beak and eyes (and made them shine with Glossy Accents) and added in some tulle (on her hat) and pearls for some 3d effects (like her ring and earring).

I like how the white pen adds some extra detail. The wing was scored and popped up, too. I like the lace embossing folder (new to me!) and lace edges for the background. The embossing stands out just a smidge more when you run Versamark over it.

I got excited about sending this card and filled out the inside before I remembered to take a picture. LOL!… here’s the inside lower right corner stamped with the mini versions, which are in reverse…

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Don’t forget you might want to click HERE to go to her Christi’s blog and follow her. You’ll get some great crafting ideas and be able to watch for a chance to enter one of her fab giveaways. Just sayin’! : )

Surprise! I’m back again!! What a truly crazy month. I was finally able to get this anniversary card together with one of my favorite Essentials by Ellen Stamp sets: Otterly Awesome for Ellen Hutson’s 11th Anniversary Blog Hop.

Aren’t they just the CUTEST?!! I really like that 3d embossed background for them, too!

Here they are in action… just click on the arrow or picture below to play the short video:

A close-up view of the cute otters. rather than fussy cut around their whiskers, I just used a Copic marker as close to the background color as I could find. As mom is fond of saying, ‘it’ll never be noticed on a galloping horse’ – or wobbling cuddly otters, either!! They are, indeed, an otterly adorable couple!!

Materials used:

Essentials by Ellen Otterly Adorable stamp set

Spellbinders 3d embossing folder: Shell Beauty

Core ‘dinations Gemstones – turquoise

Core’dinations cardstock: black & white

Recollections 110# paper – Ballerina pink

Core’dinations sanding block

Tsukineko Memento dye inks: Tuxedo Black & Rich Cocoa

Copic Markers: BG15; E04, 11, 13, 23, 31, 33, 51; R32, 39; RV02; YR31

Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents

Tombow foam tape & black sharpie marker

Action Wobble Spring

Scotch adhesive runner

Simply Defined ‘Stay Put’ adhesive

I am playing along with the following hops and challenges… click on any one for more information on how you can join the fun:

The time has come for my final post of the Cat Lovers Hop. Wahhh! But, Wahoo-kachoo! We just passed our peak number of 149 entries from last year!!

It has been a week of the highest quality with the 4c’s … Cats, Coffee, Crafting & Chocolate. We make clarity, cut, color and carat jealous! Lol! (BTW: If you want some better chuckles, be sure to read to the very end!)

I’m closing with this pair of elegant and fun cards:

(Special thanks to my aunt for making that gorgeous cross-stitched kitty and orchid!)

I love how well that embossing folder goes with the geometric ‘ball’, don’t you?!

And on the inside are these cute bookmarks:

Since I cut the cats as a pair, it was easy to mix & match the pieces for a second card:

For the bookmark on this one, I cut a second one out of the god cardstock, but put the paper in reverse and glued them together so both the front and back are gold.

Which do YOU prefer? I kind of lean toward the black background.

Materials used:

Penny Black dies: Fancy Cat, Geometrics & Bookmark Tab

Penny Black Nine Lives Stamp set (sentiment)

We R Memory Keepers Sequence embossing folder

Core’dinations cardstock: black, white & green

Colorbok Shiny Gold Metallc Paper

The Paper Company Black Glimmer paper

Recollections Glitter Paper: Snow

Tsukineko Versamark ink

Inkadinkado embossing powders: black & linen white

Copic marker: RV02

Sakura Pigma Micron archival ink black 005

Tonic Studios Nuvo Crystal Drops – Bubble Gum Blush

Sookwang Scor-tape double-sided adhesive

I am entering these cards in the following hops and challenges – click on any one of them for more information on how you can join in on the fun!

Okay, it’s time for the final hint for my Blog Candy Giveaway games from THIS post. Although you can only count it once, this archaic four-letter-word, meaning ‘a dainty or choice food, a delicacy’ can be found 6 times in the puzzle. Still having trouble? No worries, you will still get entries for the Bonus questions, whether or not you get the answers to #1 and #2 correct. Have fun!

Also: if any of you early birds have found some words you missed with the clues the past few posts and want to change your answer to #1, for the early bird may get the worm, but the late cat gets both. Lol! This morning I received the first correct answer to #1 and #3. Many of you mamaged to get #2 already. If anyone wants to change their answers, you still have time to resubmit a revised answer. : ) You have until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, Sunday, October 29, 2017 to finish up and submit your final answers via e-mail. Don’t forget to check back on Monday, October 30, 2017 – hopefully, before noon PACIFIC time for my winners and answers post.

Note: If Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 (likely to be named Tropical Storm Philippe) continues as predicted, we will have winds and up to 8″ of rain tonight and tomorrow. This usually wouldn’t be a problem, but coming on the heels of Irma, who knows what the power lines here will do. (friends just a couple of miles from me were out of electric a whole week (which sounds like nothing compared to the Keys and Caribbean).) Anyway, if my post happens to be late, you’ll know why. Best way not to miss it: subscribe to follow my blog!

It’s been a wonderful hop and my mind is already spinning with ideas for next year’s hop. (No hard puzzles, I promise!) Hopefully I’ll see you all back here way before then. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the funnies below!

Warm, furry hugs,

~D.Ann

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p.s. any ads on this page are placed by WordPress and are not endorsed by me.

Well, you saw that I started out as a crazy cat kid and then went on to be a wild cat teen… here I am today:

Actually – that’s our hop host Janis with her clowder of 18… I just Photoshopped my Bitmoji avatar in the picture. Lol!

I thought I’d close with a few fun things I recently found while surfing the net:

How do we know the earth is round?

If you haven’t been following Elaine Chong’s imaginary pet Black Coffe (Interviewed HERE) and his friend Sugar (the mouse) Here’s a recent post I found entertaining: fishing with bookworms: (click the link to see it:)

Hooray! The day has finally arrived for the annual Cat Lovers Hop! I’ve been excitedly bouncing around like Tigger the past couple of days! I know we all look forward to this annual hop and I think it’s appropriate to start off with a special thanks to Janis over at HerPeacefulGarden for all the hard work she puts into this special event! Let’s give her a big round of aPAWs!! Be sure to check out her link up page (HERE) for all the details and for the aMEOWzing list of sponsors she lined up!

If you’ve been watching on Instagram you know I have a lot of fun stuff in store for you… Thankfully, I’ve had a year to prepare! On my blog, there will be cards, calendars, home decor, jewelry, a guest designer, sci-fi cats, games, giggles and more – all featuring those dear, precious critters we all love… cats! I’m working on a giveaway, too, so you’ll want to stay tuned for that.

I’m going to start off with my first ever light-up card. It’s a slider with an adorable pair of kissing kitties anniversary card made with stamps from hop sponsor Newton’s Nook:

When you pull on the heart tab, the romantic kitty slides over to plant a smooch on his sweetie – at which point the heart lights up and the words oh-la-la! are revealed!

Here’s a video of it in action (roll your mouse over the picture and click the white arrow):

Confession: I cannot believe that I engineered the placement of wiring for the light and the slider on the inside just so, but I was so excited to try it, I turned it over and sealed it up, found out it worked and THEN reached for my camera. DUM-DUM want GUM-GUM?! lol! Guess you’ll have to wait a while until I do another one to see the inner workings. Sorry!

Wondering where I got that aMEWsing beret? It came from the Newton Dreams of Paris set… I just fussy cut it off that kitty (who’s not looking in the right direction for this kiss), snipped the lines on both sides of his ear and it tucked perfectly around.

Here’s a better pic of the card with the heart lit up from the smooch:

It just makes MY heart go pitter-patter! … I’ve done it so many times, I hope I haven’t used up the battery before my recipients get to play with it!